*By John Kusolo*
On 4th December 2024, William Epiaka, the Deputy Director of Strategy Management and Business Development at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), delivered a detailed presentation on the progress of the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs made under the NRM Manifesto. The event, hosted at the Office of the President Auditorium, provided a platform to review the achievements, ongoing initiatives, and challenges faced by the Ministry in realizing the commitments outlined in the 2021-2026 NRM Manifesto.
*Key Highlights of the Presentation*
1. Infrastructure Development
Epiaka emphasized the Ministry's commitment to improving urban infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population and promote economic development. Key achievements include:
Upgraded road networks: Over 120 kilometers of roads have been rehabilitated and upgraded to bitumen standards across Kampala and the metropolitan area.
Street lighting expansion: Installation of 3,000 energy-efficient streetlights, improving security and business activity in major commercial areas.
Drainage improvement projects: Ongoing works to mitigate flooding, including the completion of primary drainage channels in Bwaise and Kinawataka.
2. Economic Empowerment
The Ministry has been instrumental in implementing programs aimed at boosting household incomes and fostering entrepreneurship. Epiaka highlighted:
Support to vendors and SMEs: Establishment of 10 modern markets, benefiting over 20,000 vendors with improved facilities.
Youth and women empowerment: Over 15,000 beneficiaries trained under the Emyooga and Parish Development Model programs, with UGX 10 billion disbursed in low-interest loans.
3. Public Service Delivery
Epiaka outlined significant strides in improving public service delivery, including:
Waste management: Collaboration with KCCA to increase garbage collection coverage from 50% to 80%, supported by the acquisition of 20 additional garbage trucks.
Health services: Construction and renovation of health centers, increasing access to quality healthcare for urban residents.
Education initiatives: Rehabilitation of 15 government-aided schools and provision of learning materials to over 50,000 pupils.
4. Environmental Conservation
The Ministry has prioritized environmental sustainability to address challenges posed by rapid urbanization. Achievements include:
Planting 1 million trees in urban areas under the “Green Kampala” initiative.
Enforcement of building regulations to prevent encroachment on wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas.
Promotion of renewable energy adoption through subsidies for solar-powered solutions in low-income households.
5. Metropolitan Governance and Policy Frameworks
To enhance coordination and planning across the metropolitan area, Epiaka highlighted the Ministry's role in formulating integrated policies and governance structures:
Creation of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Plan, aligning development projects with regional priorities.
Establishment of inter-agency task forces to address cross-cutting issues such as traffic management, housing, and urban sprawl.
*Challenges and Future Plans*
Epiaka acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited funding, bureaucratic delays, and resistance to policy reforms. However, he reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to overcoming these hurdles through strategic partnerships with development partners and the private sector.
*Future plans include:*
Expansion of road and drainage infrastructure to underserved areas.
Launching an e-governance platform to streamline service delivery.
Scaling up affordable housing projects to address the urban housing deficit.
The presentation by William Epiaka provided a comprehensive overview of the Ministry's efforts to transform Kampala and the metropolitan area into a model urban center. The progress made under the NRM Manifesto is a testament to the Ministry's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for urban residents while fostering sustainable development.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where stakeholders commended the Ministry's achievements and offered insights on addressing existing challenges. The presentation reinforced the NRM government's commitment to delivering tangible results for all Ugandans.
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